The National Solar Schools Program will help Australian schools take practical action to tackle climate change by offering grants of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) to install solar power systems, rainwater tanks and a range of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Schools will be able to improve their energy and water efficiency as well as reduce their ongoing energy costs. In particular, for schools with a mains power supply, surplus electricity generated by solar power systems on weekends and during school holidays may be able to be sold back to the electricity grid for extra electricity and greenhouse savings.
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/government/programs-and-rebates/national-solar-schools.aspx
All grants for the 2010-2011 financial year have been allocated, however schools that were unsuccessful or that are yet to apply can do so in the 2011-2012 round. These applications will open early in the next financial year.
To receive the full $50,000 schools must install at least a 2 kilowatt solar power system. However, if you decide to spend the whole grant on solar power, you can look at installing up to a 5kW system. A 5kW system will produce an average of 20kWh of power per day and will reduce your ongoing energy costs.
Solar power systems are a long-term investment. You can expect your system to generate electricity for your school for 25 years +. You can imagine the financial and environmental savings you will make in this time, especially with a larger system.
Schools have the option to spend the grant on a range of energy efficient products, however the more that is dedicated to solar now, the bigger the system that can be installed, and the more money saved over such a long term. These savings can then be used to fund other energy efficient ventures.
Pritchett Electrical provides services at all stages of obtaining solar power for your school, from assistance with the grant application, to consultation and design, and installation and connection of your system. Pritchett Electrical also has an education consultant, Emma Pritchett (BSc, DipEd) who can assist with education component and with integration of the web monitoring data into the curriculum.
We understand that the grant applications can be a time-consuming process so let us take all the fuss and red tape out of your hands and work with you through the process every step of the way.
We are happy to discuss any aspect of the National Solar Schools Program and to provide you with the best option for your school so please call us or email to arrange a consultation.
Please note, we cover all areas for Solar Power, including Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
